Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Friday 21st July 2017, despite the weather, the UCSA celebrated and recognised the start of construction for the new UCSA Building.

A mihi whakatau was performed by Ngāi Tuahuriri representative Eruera Prendergast-Tarena, followed by a blessing from Rev Spanky Moore. UCSA President James Addington, Chancellor Dr John Wood, Vice-Chancellor Dr Rod Carr, and Hon David Caygill then marked an exciting new chapter for the Association by turning the first sod on the site of the new UCSA Building.

At the ceremony, we announced the new UCSA Building name – Haere-roa. This name, gifted by mana whenua, Ngāi Tūāhuriri, translates to the longest stream or the long wanderer. It recognises the UCSA as a space that hosts and welcomes people. For many UC students the UCSA will be an important part of their journey, it’s a place where they will receive support, access resources, learn new things and meet new people, preparing them for the next part of their journey.

The Building will be an integral part of the student experience. It will include a new fit-for-purpose Ngaio Marsh Theatre performance space, student social space, club meeting and workrooms, Foundry bar, and outdoor amphitheatre.